370 Canadian Record of Science. 



improvement in the large hall, the additions to the library, 

 and the desirable advance made in binding and arranging 

 many valuable publications. 



We have, like other societies and individuals, suffered 

 from the financial depression so prevalent, but I cannot 

 allow the occasion to pass without referring to the suc- 

 cessful efforts of one of our members, Mr. J. S. Shearer, to 

 collect money from friends to support the IlECOKD OF 

 Science, which continues to be the vehicle of much 

 valuable original publication, and in this way still main- 

 tains, at home and abroad, the reputation which it long 

 ago acquired, of being a reliable and valuable source of 

 reference for Canadian Science. 



It will require strenuous exertion to preserve the 

 reputation it has acquired ; but if the Society can do this 

 it will accomplish much. 



The course of Somerville lectures, based on the Re- 

 sources of Canada, as viewed by the Naturalist, was in able 

 hands, and we are deeply indebted to all those who took 

 part, and particularly to those specialists who came from 

 a distance and gave their services gratuitously. 



If it were possible for the Society to publish these 

 lectures from year to year in a collective form, both the 

 public and the Society itself would be the gainers. 



The regular meetings of the Society have been better 

 attended, perhaps, than in any previous year. 



The affiliation brought about between various societies 

 with kindred aims last year and in operation this year, has 

 so far worked well, though there is room for a more vital 

 cennection than as yet seems to exist. 



Turning from these details allow me a few moments to 

 develop a thought which does not concern our Association 

 alone, but human beings everywhere. 



What is the spirit of the naturalist ? Wherein does he 

 differ from other men ? Do these differences elevate him 

 or the reverse ? 



